Halifax Transit has initiated a program that aims to provide youth and students convenient and accessible transportation while educating them on how to utilize Halifax Transit in a courteous and safe manner for years to come.
The Student Transit Pass Pilot Program was authorized by Halifax Regional Council on May 18, 2021, and it was modeled after transit systems across Canada.
During its first phase, students from four area high schools received free annual transit passes for usage on all Halifax Transit regular buses, Access-A-Bus, and ferries in the 2021–2022 academic year. This was participated by Woodlawn High School (Grades 10 – 12), Dartmouth High School (Grades 9 – 12), École secondaire du Sommet (Grades 9 – 12), and École secondaire Mosaïque (Grades 9 – 12).
Phase 2 of the pilot was approved by Halifax Regional Council on November 22, 2022. It will run from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. This phase extends the pilot for the four high schools now involved in the program and expands it to six junior high schools run by the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE). This includes Grades 7-9 of Bicentennial School, Caledonia Junior High, Ellenvale Junior High, Eric Graves Memorial Junior High, John Martin Junior High; and Grades 7 and 8 of the Dartmouth South Academy.
Due to their close proximity to current transit routes and dense student population, participating high schools were chosen. In cooperation with HRCE, the six new junior high schools added to the pilot program were chosen.
In order for the students to use the pass when boarding a bus or boat, they are required to provide their student transit pass to the transport operator rather than paying a fare. To prevent any disruptions to transit service throughout the transition to Phase 2. They are also required to print and sign their name in ink before using the pass.
In the fall of 2023, Halifax Transit’s Student Transit Pass Pilot Program will undergo another evaluation. The results and suggestions for the program’s future will be presented to Halifax Regional Council.
More information about this initiative at https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/halifax-transit/transit-programs-services/student-pass-pilot-program
Reference:
https://www.halifax.ca/
Photo credits to: https://www.facebook.com/hfxgov
